Hand-held hair styling device

ABSTRACT

A hand-held hair styling device has a body having a wider side between narrower sides. A rotatable base is mounted on the body for rotation relative to the body. The rotatable base has an exposed surface facing generally away from the body. An axis of rotation of the rotatable base extends substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body. A plurality of hair styling elements extending generally away from the body are mounted on the exposed surface of the rotatable base for rotation relative to the body with the rotatable base. A method of styling hair includes rotating the rotatable base and the hair styling elements thereon while at least some of the hair styling elements are in contact with a person&#39;s hair.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a US National Stage Application of InternationalApplication No. PCT/CN2017/106352, filed Oct. 16, 2017 which claims thebenefit of International Application No. PCT/CN2017/087427, filed Jun.7, 2017, the entire contents of which are all hereby incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to hand-held hair stylingdevices such as hair brushes and combs and more particularly tohand-held hair styling devices that are used to impart curls to aperson's hair.

BACKGROUND

A conventional hand-held hair brush has a body and a handle extendingfrom the body. A plurality of hair styling elements, such as bristles orteeth, extend away from the body of the brush. To use this conventionalbrush a person holds the handle in his or her hand and moves the brushso the hair styling elements pass through the hairs on a person's head.

A comb is similar to a brush. The hair styling elements on a comb areusually arranged in a more narrow configuration (e.g., a single row ofteeth or a few closely spaced parallel rows of teeth) than the hairstyling elements on a brush. However, there is no clear line betweendevices that are considered combs and devices that are consideredbrushes. Both combs and brushes operate by allowing a user to move abody carrying a plurality of hair styling elements that extend from thebody so that the hair styling elements move through the hairs on aperson's head.

The styling elements of the most common brushes and combs do not moverelative to the body that carries them.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the invention is a hand-held hair styling devicecomprising a body having a wider side between a pair of narrower sideson opposite sides of the wider side. The wider side of the body has awidth that is wider than the narrower sides of the body. A rotatablebase is mounted between the narrower sides on the body for rotationrelative to the body about an axis of rotation. The rotatable base hasan exposed surface facing generally away from the body. The axis ofrotation of the rotatable base extends substantially perpendicular to alongitudinal axis of the body. A plurality of hair styling elements aremounted on the exposed surface of the rotatable base for rotationrelative to the body with the rotatable base. The plurality of hairstyling elements extend generally away from the body.

Another aspect of the invention is a hand-held hair styling devicehaving a body having a wider side between a pair of narrower sides onopposite sides of the wider side. The wider side of the body has a widththat is wider than the narrower sides of the body. A plurality ofrotatable bases are mounted between the narrower sides on the body forrotation relative to the body about axes of rotation. The rotatablebases each have an exposed surface facing generally away from the body.A plurality of hair styling elements are mounted on the exposed surfaceof each of the rotatable bases for rotation relative to the body withthe respective rotatable base. The plurality of hair styling elementsextend generally away from the body. A handle extends from the body in adirection that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation ofat least one of the rotatable bases.

Still another aspect of the invention is a hand-held hair styling devicehaving a body that has a wider side between a pair of narrower sides onopposite sides of the wider side. The wider side of the body has a widththat is wider than the narrower sides of the body. A plurality ofrotatable bases are mounted between the narrower sides on the body forrotation relative to the body about axes of rotation. The rotatablebases each having an exposed surface facing generally away from thebody. A plurality of hair styling elements are mounted on the exposedsurface of each of the rotatable bases for rotation relative to the bodywith the respective rotatable base. The plurality of hair stylingelements extend generally away from the body. Each of the hair stylingelements mounted on the rotatable bases is spaced from each of the otherhair styling elements.

Yet another aspect of the invention is a method of styling hair. Themethod includes holding a body having a rotatable base thereon. Therotatable base is mounted on the body for rotation relative to the bodyand has a plurality of hair styling elements mounted thereon. The bodyhas a wider side between a pair of narrower sides on opposite sides ofthe wider side. The rotatable base is mounted on the wider side. Themethod includes moving the body to place the hair styling elements inthe person's hair. Activating a selectively activatable drive systemoperably connected to the rotatable base to drive rotation of therotatable base relative to the body about an axis of rotation andthereby rotate the rotatable base and the hair styling elements thereonwhile at least some of the hair styling elements are in contact with theperson's hair. The axis of rotation of the rotatable base extendssubstantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body.

Still yet another aspect of the invention is a method of styling hair.The method includes holding a handle connected to a body having aplurality of rotatable bases thereon. Each of the rotatable bases ismounted on the body for rotation relative to the body and has aplurality of hair styling elements mounted thereon. The method includesmoving the handle to place the hair styling elements in a person's hair.A selectively activatable drive system operably connected to therotatable bases is activated to drive rotation of the rotatable basesrelative to the body and thereby rotate the rotatable bases and the hairstyling elements thereon while at least some of the hair stylingelements are in contact with the person's hair.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a hand-held hair stylingdevice generally comprises a body having a wider side between a pair ofnarrower sides on opposite sides of the wider side, the wider side ofthe body having a width that is wider than the narrower sides of thebody. A rotatable base is mounted between the narrower sides on the bodyfor rotation relative to the body about an axis of rotation. Therotatable base has an exposed surface facing generally away from thebody, and the axis of rotation of the rotatable base extendssubstantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body. At leastone hair styling element is mounted on the exposed surface of therotatable base for rotation relative to the body with the rotatablebase. The hair styling element extends generally away from the body andhas recesses therein opening radially outward from the axis of rotationof the rotatable base.

Other objects and features will in part be apparent and in part pointedout hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of one embodiment of a hair styling device ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are additional perspectives of the hair styling deviceillustrated in FIG. 1 taken from different vantage points;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the hair styling device illustrated inFIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a top plan of the hair styling device illustrated in FIGS.1-4;

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan of the hair styling device illustrated in FIGS.1-5;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective of the hair styling device illustratedin FIGS. 1-6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective of the hair styling device illustrated in FIGS.1-7 with a portion of the device removed to show internal features;

FIG. 9 is a perspective of the hair styling device illustrated in FIGS.1-8 similar to FIG. 8 but with an additional part of the device removedto show additional internal features;

FIG. 10. is a perspective of two different sets of interchangeableturntables having different styling elements configurations thereon foruse with the hair styling device illustrated in FIGS. 1-9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective illustrating one method of using the deviceillustrated in FIGS. 1-9 to curl a person's hair;

FIG. 12 is a perspective of another embodiment of a hair styling deviceof the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective of another embodiment of a hair styling deviceof the present invention;

FIG. 14 is another perspective of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13with portions of the device removed to show internal features;

FIG. 15 is a perspective of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13-14showing a manually activatable drive lever in a depressed position;

FIG. 16 is a perspective of another embodiment of a hair styling deviceof the present invention;

FIG. 17 is another perspective of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16with portions of the device removed to show internal features;

FIG. 17A is another perspective of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16with portions of the device removed to show internal features;

FIG. 18 is a perspective of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 16-17showing a manually activatable drive lever in a depressed position;

FIG. 19 is a perspective of another embodiment of a hair styling deviceof the present invention;

FIG. 20 is another perspective of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19with portions of the device removed to show internal features;

FIG. 21 is a perspective of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 19-20showing a manually activatable drive lever in a depressed position;

FIG. 22 is a perspective of another embodiment of a hair styling deviceof the present invention;

FIG. 23 is another perspective of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22with portions of the device removed to show internal features;

FIG. 24 is a perspective of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 22-23showing a manually activatable drive lever in a depressed position

FIG. 25 is a perspective of another embodiment of a hair styling deviceof the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a perspective of another embodiment of a hair styling deviceof the present invention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, first to FIGS. 1-9, one embodiment of ahair styling device is generally designated 101. The device 101 can beused to brush hair in much the same way as a conventional hair brush.However, the device 101 can also be used to impart curls to a person'shair in a manner to be described in more detail below.

The device 101 has a body 103 and a handle 105 that extends from thebody. The body 103 has one or more hair styling elements 107 securedthereto. The handle 105 is sized and shaped to fit in a person's hand sothe person can move the body 103 and the hair styling elements 107thereon relative to hair on that person's head or another person's head.The body 103 and handle 105 are suitably made of a moldable polymericmaterial, although other materials could be used instead. Referring toFIG. 7, the body 103 and handle 105 of the device 101 are each made ofan upper shell 109 and a lower shell 111, which are so-named inreference to the orientation in FIG. 7. It is understood the lower shell111 may be above the upper shell 109 and vice-versa, depending on howthe device 101 is positioned. The upper shell 109 of the body 103 andhandle 105 are suitably molded together as one-piece. Likewise, thelower shell 111 of the body 103 and handle 105 are also suitably moldedtogether as one-piece. It is understood that the upper and lower shells109, 111 can be made in greater or fewer pieces than in the illustratedembodiment and that the dividing lines between the multiple pieces ofthe shell can be varied. Also, if desired, the configuration of theshells can be varied from what is illustrated in FIGS. 1-9. The upperand lower shells 109, 111 are configured so they can be secured to oneanother (e.g., by screws 113 or other fasteners) to form the body 103and handle 105. The body 103 and handle 105 suitably have a hollowinterior space 115 for reasons that will become apparent.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the body 103 suitably has a wider side 121extending between a pair of narrower sides 123 on opposite sides of thebody 103. The narrower sides 123 are on opposite sides of the wider side121. The width W1 of the wider side 121 is wider than the width W2 ofthe narrower sides 123. In the illustrated embodiment, the narrowersides 123 are about equal in width, but it is understood that this isnot required. The width W1 of the wider side 121 of the body 103 issuitably at least about 2 inches. The length L1 of the body 103 issuitably at least about 4 inches. For purposes of measuring the lengthL1 of the body 103, the length L1 is defined as the distance between theend of the body opposite the handle 105 and the styling element 107 thatis spaced farthest from that end. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the widerside 121 of the body 103 is suitably substantially flat.

A plurality of hair styling elements 107 are mounted on the wider side121 of the body. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, all of thestyling elements 107 are on the wider side 121 of the body 103. Some ofthe hair styling elements 107 are suitably fixed styling elements 125that are affixed to the body 103. For example, some or all of the fixedstyling elements 125 are suitably affixed to the wider side 121 of thebody 103. There are various ways to affix the fixed hair stylingelements 125 to the body 103. Referring to FIG. 7, for instance, severalor all of the fixed hair styling elements 125 are suitably mounted on abase 127 that supports multiple fixed hair styling elements. In theillustrated embodiment there are several bases 127, each of whichcarriers at least two fixed hair styling elements. The bases 127 arepositioned inside the body 103 so that the fixed hair styling elements125 extend through openings 129 in the lower shell 111. Thus, the distalends of the fixed hair styling elements 125 extend away from the base103 of the hair styling device 101. The bases 127 are captured insidethe interior space 115 of the hair styling device 101 by the upper andlower shells 109, 111 and thereby retain the fixed hair styling elementson the base 103. Those skilled in the art of designing and/ormanufacturing hair styling devices will be familiar with several otheroptions for affixing fixed styling elements to the body of a hairstyling device, any of which can be used instead of the arrangement inthe illustrated embodiment.

At least some of the hair styling elements 107 are moveable hair stylingelements 135 that are mounted on the body 103 for movement relative tothe body. For example, the moveable hair styling elements 135 aresuitably rotatable relative to the body 103. Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, 5,and 7, a plurality of turntables 137 (broadly, rotatable bases) aremounted on the body 103 for rotation of the turntables relative to thebody about axes of rotation 139. Although the rotatable bases 137 in theillustrated embodiment are in the form of turntables, it is understoodthat the rotatable bases may have other shapes and configurations (e.g.,dome-shaped or hemispherical) if desired. The turntables 137 aresuitably mounted on the wider side 121 of the body 103 between itsnarrower sides 123. Referring to FIG. 5, the turntables 137 are suitablyarranged in linear configuration extending generally along alongitudinal axis 143 of the body 103. For example, the turntables 137are suitably mounted in series on the central longitudinal axis 143.Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment the central longitudinal axis143 of the body 103 is aligned with the central longitudinal axis (alsodesignated 143) of the handle 105 so the turntables 137 are alsoarranged in a linear configuration that extends along the longitudinalaxis 143 of the handle. The turntables 137 are suitably mounted on thebody 103 so the turntables have axes of rotation 139 that aresubstantially parallel to one another. In the illustrated embodiment theaxes of rotation 139 of at least one of the turntables 137 (e.g., all ofthe turntables) is substantially perpendicular to the direction thehandle 105 extends from the body 103. The axes of rotation 139 aresuitably substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 143 of thebody 103 and handle 105.

The moveable hair styling elements 135 are mounted on the turntables 137so the moveable hair styling elements move with the turntables. Theturntables 137 are suitably received in openings 145 in the lower shell111 so that some portions of the turntables are positioned inside thebody 103. The turntables 137 also include an exposed surface 149 that iseither positioned outside the body 103 or at least accessible fromoutside the body. The exposed surfaces 149 of the turntables 137 facegenerally away from the body 103. The moveable hair styling elements 135are suitably secured to the exposed surfaces 149 of the turntables 137.The moveable styling elements 135 extend from the turntables 137 awayfrom the body 103.

At least some of the moveable styling elements 135 are offset from theaxes of rotation 143 of the turntable 137 that carries them. Forexample, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, each of themoveable styling elements 135 is offset from the rotational axes 143 ofthe respective turntable 137. As illustrated in FIG. 5, some or all ofthe moveable styling elements 135 extend radially outward all the way tothe outer perimeter of the respective turntable 137. The offset moveablestyling elements 135 are positioned move in relatively wide circles whenthe turntables 137 are rotated due to their offset position. Theturntables 137 suitably have a relatively large diameter D1, such as atleast about 0.75 inches.

Referring to FIG. 4, the moveable styling elements 135 suitably extendabout the same distance from the body 103 as the fixed styling elements125. The distal ends of all of the hair styling elements suitably lie onthe same plane P, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Alternatively, the distalends of all of the hair styling elements may lie on a cylindrical orother smooth curved surface. When the hair styling device 101 is used tobrush hair in the same way as a conventional brush, the fixed hairstyling element 125 and the moveable hair styling elements 135 are bothpositioned to contact the hair and/or scalp and in the case the device101 contacts the scalp there is not tendency for pressure to beconcentrated in only a few of the hair styling elements 125, 135, asmight occur if one set of hair styling elements is significantly longerthan the other so that the ends do not all lie on the same plane or on asmoothly curved surface.

The configuration of the moveable styling elements 135 can vary withinthe broad scope of the invention. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.1-9, at least some (e.g., all) of the moveable styling elements have apaddle-shaped configuration. Each of the paddle-shaped styling elements135 has a broad side 151 oriented to face generally in the direction ofrotation and narrow sides 153 oriented to face generally in a radialdirection relative to the direction of rotation. The moveable hairstyling elements 135 in this embodiment are suitably substantiallyparallel to one another. However, it is understood that the moveablestyling elements may be oriented to angle toward or away from oneanother as they extend away from the base if desired. Also in thisembodiment, each of the moveable styling elements 135 is spaced fromeach of the other moveable hair styling elements. This is in contrast to“tuft” style hair styling elements in which one or more bundles ofstyling elements are mounted in abutting relation to one another.However, it is understood that the moveable styling elements couldinclude one or more tufts if desired.

The device 101 includes a drive system 161 for driving movement of themoveable styling elements 135, such as by driving rotation of theturntables 137. For example, the drive system 161 may be selectivelyactivatable by user to rotate the turntables 137 and the moveablestyling elements 135 thereon when desired. The drive system 161 issuitably also configured to hold the turntables 137 and the moveablestyling elements 135 thereon stationary relative to the body 103 whendesired.

Referring to FIGS. 7-9, the drive system 161 suitably includes a motor163 (e.g., an electric motor) connected to the turntables 137 so themotor can rotate the turntables relative to the body 103. In theillustrated embodiment, the motor 163 is connected to the turntables 137by a set of gears 171. The gears include a drive sprocket 173 mounted onthe output shaft 175 of the motor 163 so the output shaft and drivesprocket rotate in unison. The drive sprocket 173 is in mesh with aspeed changing gear 177, which is in mesh with the first of a set ofturntable gears 179. The turntables 137 are mounted on the turntablegears 179 so the turntables rotate (e.g., in unison) with the turntablegears. In the illustrated embodiment, the speed changing gear 177 isconfigured to turn the first turntable gear 179 at a higher angularvelocity than the angular velocity of the drive sprocket 173 and outputshaft 175 of the motor 163. That is the speed changing gear 177 isconfigured to increase the speed as the power is transmitted from themotor to the turntables 137. However, the speed changing gear could beconfigured to reduce the speed of the turntable gear relative to themotor if desired.

Idler gears 181 are positioned between each of the turntable gears 179so they are in mesh with the adjacent turntable gears. The gears 171 arethereby configured to rotate each of the turntables in the samedirection. The gears 171 and drive system 161 are suitably configured torotate each of the turntables 137 at substantially the same angularvelocity. For example, the turntable gears 179 in the illustratedembodiment are all substantially equal in size and the idler gears 181are also all substantially equal in size so that the turntable gears allrotate at about the same speed.

The turntables 137 can connected to the turntable gears 179 is variousways. In the illustrated embodiment, the turntables 137 are releasablysecured to the turntable gears 177. Referring to FIGS. 7-9, for example,each of the turntable gears 177 has a spindle 185 extending along therotational axis 139 (FIGS. 8 and 9). The spindles 185 are sized andshaped to be received in sockets 187 (FIG. 7) formed in the base of theturntables 137. The spindles 185 and sockets 187 each have acorresponding non-circular cross sectional shape so that the turntables137 are rotationally locked with the spindles 185 and the turntablegears 179 when the spindles are in the sockets. The spindles 185 andsockets 187 are suitably dimensioned to result in a friction fit betweenthe spindles and sockets that is strong enough to hold the turntables onthe device 101 when in use for curling hair but weak enough that a usercan pull the turntables 137 off the spindles 185 when desired. Thisfacilitates exchanging one or more of the turntables 137 with adifferent turntable.

FIG. 10 illustrates two different sets of turntables 137, 137′ that canbe used interchangeably with the device 101. The first set of turntables137 are the same turntables illustrated in FIGS. 1-9. The second set ofturntables 137′ is substantially identical to the first set ofturntables 137 except that they have a different configuration ofmoveable hair styling elements 135′. Instead of paddle-shaped stylingelements 135, the moveable styling elements 135′ on the second set ofturntables 137′ are substantially cylindrical. Each of the substantiallycylindrical styling elements 135′ is spaced from each of the others. Oneof the styling elements 135′ on each turntable 137′ is located on therotational axes 139. The other styling elements 135′ are offset from therotational axes 139. The styling elements 137's are all substantiallyparallel with one another and arranged in grid configuration (e.g., a3×3 grid). Whenever a user would like to use a different type ofmoveable styling element with the device, he or she can pull theturntables off the device and replace them with a different set ofturntables. Although there are only two types of turntables 137, 137′illustrated in FIG. 10, it is understood that there are numerouspossible variations on the configuration of the moveable hair stylingelements and that there could be a different set of turntables for anyof the possible configurations that may be desired.

A switch 165 accessible on an external portion of the device 101controls operation of the motor 163 and allows a user to selectivelyactivate and deactivate the drive system 161. The switch 165 can be anysuitable switch that is capable of selectively connecting anddisconnecting the motor 163 to a power source (such as the internalbatteries 167 in the illustrated embodiment).

For example, the switch 165 is suitably configured to energize the motor163 and activate the drive system 161 when the switch is depressed by auser and de-energize the motor and turn off the drive system as soon asthe user releases the switch. Thus, the user may activate and deactivatethe drive system 161 with only one touch, with the duration of the touchdefining the period that the drive system is active. IT may be desirablefor some methods of using the device 101 to require active input by theuser (such as requiring the user to continue pressing the switch 165) tocontinue operation of the drive system 161. For example, if a user isdistracted while using the device and fails to maintain pressure on theswitch 165, the device 101 automatically stops rotation of theturntables 137 and thereby minimizes the risk of tangled hair due tocontinued operation of the drive system while the user is distracted.Similarly, there is less risk of problems such as tangling hair thatcould result if a user tries to turn off the motor 163 off, but isdelayed in doing so by a physical mistake (e.g., clumsiness) in theattempt to hit the switch 165.

The device 101 can be used in either of two modes: a fixed stylingelement mode and a moving (e.g., rotating) styling element mode. Whenused in fixed styling element mode, the device 101 operates insubstantially the same way as a conventional hair brush. The user movesthe handle 105 of the device 101 relative to the person's hair so thatthe fixed and moveable styling elements 125, 135 engage the person'shair and move relative to the person's hair (e.g., to untangle hair,distribute hair care products through the hair, straighten hair, curlhair, etc.)

To use the device 101 in moving hair styling element mode, the useractivates the drive system 161 (e.g., by pressing the switch 165) todrive movement of the moving styling elements 135. For example,referring to FIG. 11, the user suitably activates the drive system 161to drive rotation of the turntables 137 relative to the body 103 andthereby rotate the turntables and the moveable hair styling elements 135thereon while at least some of the hair styling elements are in contactwith said person's hair. Various styling effects can be achieved usingthis method. For example, the rotating turntables 137 and moveable hairstyling elements suitably form a twisted strand of hair 193 from a setof the hairs 191 on the person's head. In FIG. 11, the paddle-shapedmoveable hair styling elements 135 are placed into contact with thestrand of hair 193 at a location spaced from the person's head (e.g.,near the end of the hairs in the strand). The wide faces 151 on thepaddle-shaped styling elements 135 move the hairs in generally circularshape and thereby twist the strand of hair into a generally helical coilextending between the segment of the hairs in contact with the deviceand the person's head. The helical curvature applied to the strand 191suitably has a central axis that is substantially parallel to therotational axis 139 of the turntable 137 that has formed the helicalcoil in that strand. It is possible to form a first twisted strand usinga first of the turntables while forming another twisted strand usinganother of the turntables. Because the device 101 has three turntables137 it is also possible to twist three separate strands 193 of hair 191into helical coils at the same time. However, it is not necessary toform multiple helical coils at the same time.

The method optionally includes holding the hairs 191 in the twistedstrand for a period of time selected to impart a lasting helicalcurvature the strand. For example, the strand 193 may be sprayed withwater or contacted with hairspray, mousse, gel, or other hair stylingproduct while it is being held in the coiled shaped and held in thecoiled shape while the water dries or the hair styling product driesand/or sets to help the hair hold the helical shape after the device 101is removed from the hair.

The process can be repeated as much as desired to impart helical curlsto additional strands 193 of hair 191.

This is just one example of how the device can be used to curl aperson's hair. It is understood that the moveable hair styling elementscan be used in different ways if desired.

FIG. 12 illustrated another embodiment of a hair styling device 201 ofthe present invention. This device 201 is substantially identical to thedevice 101 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, except thatthis device 201 does not have any fixed hair styling elements. Instead,all of the hair styling elements 207 are moveable hair styling elements235 mounted on the turntables 237. The device 201 can be used to performthe same methods as the device 101 described above.

Another embodiment of a hair styling device, generally designated 301,is illustrated in FIGS. 13-15. This device 301 is substantially similarto the device 101 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, exceptthat the drive system 161 described above has been replaced with amanually activatable drive system 361. There is no motor in this device301. The drive system 361 has gears 371, which include turntable gears379 and idler gears 381 corresponding to the turntable gears 179 andidler gears 181 described above. However, instead of a motor, the device301 has a manual actuator 375, which in the illustrated embodiment is inthe form of a lever mounted for pivoting movement so that one end of thelever extends outside the handle 305. A set of teeth 373 correspondingto a segment of a drive socket is formed on the opposite end of thelever 375. The teeth 373 are in mesh with a speed changing gear 377,which is in mesh with an auxiliary idler gear 393, which is in mesh withone of the turntable gears 379.

The lever 375 is moveable by a user between a first position (FIG. 14)in which lever protrudes farther from the handle 305 and a secondposition (FIG. 15) in which the lever protrudes less from the handle. Abiasing member 395 (e.g., a spring) is positioned and arranged in thehandle 305 to bias the lever 375 toward the first position. The lever375 is positioned and arranged relative to the gears 371 so thatmovement of the lever between the first and second positions drivesmovement of the turntables 337 and the moveable styling elements 335thereon through the gears. As was the case with the drive system 161described above, the gears 371 are configured to drive each of theturntables 337 in the same direction and at about the same speed.

The device 301 can be used in substantially the same methods asdescribed above in connection with the device 101 illustrated in FIGS.1-9. However, in order to cause the moveable styling elements to move, auser manually activates the drive system 361 by manually manipulatingthe actuator 375 (e.g., lever) to move the actuator from the firstposition to the second position. The user then removes the device fromthe hair before releasing the actuator 375. Once the user releases theactuator 375 the biasing member 395 automatically moves the actuatorback to the first position. This process may be repeated as many timesas desired.

Another embodiment of a hair styling device, generally designated 401,is illustrated in FIGS. 16-18. This device 401 is similar to the device301 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 13-15, except that body 403has a generally oval shape and does not include an elongate handleextending from the body. Rather, the body 403 itself is intended to begrasped by a user for operating the device 401. Gripping surfaces 497are also provided on the body 403 to facilitate grasping the body. Asillustrated, the gripping surfaces 497 are a series of parallel channelsin the body 403. However, it will be understood that the grippingsurfaces may take on different forms, including without limitation,raised surfaces, bumps and high-friction material. As illustrated, thebody 403 is formed in two halves that can be connected together. Onehalf of the body has been removed in FIGS. 14 and 15 to show internalconstruction.

Additionally, only a single turntable 437 including a plurality ofmoveable styling elements 435 is mounted on the body 403. Similar todevice 301, a drive system 461 has gears 471, which include a singleturntable gear 479 and a single idler gear 481 corresponding to theturntable gear. A manual actuator 475, which in the illustratedembodiment is in the form of a lever mounted for pivoting movement sothat one end of the lever extends outside the body 403. A set of teeth473 corresponding to a segment of a drive socket is formed on theopposite end of the lever 475. The teeth 473 are in mesh with a speedchanging gear 477, which is in mesh with the idler gear 481, which is inmesh with the turntable gear 479. The turntable 437 is connected to theturntable gear 479 for conjoint rotation with the turntable. In theillustrated embodiment, each moveable styling element 435 has a paddleshape with a pair of recesses 457 formed in a narrow side 453 of theelement. The recesses 457 face radially outwardly of the hair stylingelement 435 and receive and retain many strands of hair during use,similar to the teeth of a comb. However, the configuration of themoveable styling elements 435 can vary within the broad scope of theinvention. The overall size of body 403 is similar to that of body 103such that a width of a wider side of the body 403 is suitably at leastabout 2 inches, and a length of the body 403 is suitably at least about4 inches.

As described above for device 301, the lever 475 is moveable by a userbetween a first position (FIGS. 17 and 17A) and a second position (FIG.18). A biasing member 495 (e.g., a spring) is positioned and arranged inthe body 403 to bias the lever 475 toward the first position (FIG. 17A).The lever 475 is positioned and arranged relative to the gears 471 sothat movement of the lever between the first and second positions drivesmovement of the turntable 437 and the moveable styling elements 435thereon through the gears.

In order to cause the moveable styling element to move, a user manuallyactivates the drive system 461 by manually manipulating the actuator 475(e.g., lever) to move the actuator from the first position to the secondposition. The size of the gear 477 in relation to the gears 481 and 479causes the causes the turntable 437 and hair styling elements mountedthereon to turn more rapidly through a greater angle of rotation thanthe gear 477. The user then removes the device from the hair beforereleasing the actuator 475. Once the user releases the actuator 475 thebiasing member 495 automatically moves the actuator back to the firstposition. This process may be repeated as many times as desired.

Another embodiment of a hair styling device, generally designated 501,is illustrated in FIGS. 19-21. This device 501 is substantially similarto the device 401 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 16-18, exceptthat actuator 575 comprises a depressible button on a side of body 503.The actuator 575 can be moved along a line, back and forth to actuaterotation of the hair styling elements 535. The body 503, includingparticularly the portion of the body removed in FIGS. 17 and 18,includes structure for guiding the movement of the actuator 575 alongits linear, reciprocating path. The spring 595 is attached to and end ofthe actuator 575 opposite the portion forming the button. The other endof the spring 595 is attached to a post (not shown) on a portion of thebody 503 which is removed in FIGS. 20 and 21. The post provides a fixedpoint against which the spring 595 acts to move the actuator 575.Additionally, each moveable styling element 535 is paddle-shaped with agenerally triangular cross section. Recesses 557 are formed in sides 553of the styling elements. In one embodiment, hair styling device 401 ofthe previous embodiment may use an actuator assembly including actuator575 disclosed for device 501 of the current embodiment without departingfrom the scope of the invention.

Another embodiment of a hair styling device, generally designated 601,is illustrated in FIGS. 22-24. This device 601 is substantially similarto the device 501 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 19-21, exceptthat actuator 675 comprises a depressible button on a bottom of body603. Moreover, the actuator 675 is generally flush with the surface ofthe body 603 when not depressed as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. As may beseen in FIGS. 23 and 24, the body 603 includes guide walls that guidethe movement of the actuator 675. Similar guide walls (not shown) arealso present on the portion of the body 603 removed from FIGS. 23 and24. In this embodiment, two springs 695 are employed. The springs 695are attached at ends of respective legs of the actuator 675. The otherends of the springs 695 are attached to posts (not shown) on the part ofthe body 603 that has been removed in FIGS. 23 and 24. One of the legsis formed with teeth 673 that engage the drive system 661. Additionally,each moveable styling element 635 is paddle-shaped and has a generallyrectangular cross section. The hair styling elements 635 do not haverecesses, but it will be understood that such recesses could be used.

Another embodiment of a hair styling device, generally designated 701,is illustrated in FIG. 25. This device 701 is substantially similar tothe device 501 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 19-21, except asingle styling element 735 is mounted on turntable 737. The stylingelement 735 has a triangular prism shape. Sides 759 of the stylingelement 735 are concave. Recesses 757 are formed in edges 753 of thestyling element 735. The recesses 757 open radially outward from thehair styling element. The recesses 757 are arranged in groups. Differentgroups of recesses open in a different radial direction about the axisof rotation of the rotatable base 737.

Another embodiment of a hair styling device, generally designated 801,is illustrated in FIG. 26. This device 801 is substantially similar tothe device 501 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 19-21, exceptstyling elements 835 have a generally hexagonal prism shape. Recesses857 are formed in sides 853 of the styling elements 835.

In view of the foregoing, it will be understood that the following hasbeen developed:

A1. A hand-held hair styling device, the hair styling device comprising:

a body having a wider side between a pair of narrower sides on oppositesides of the wider side, the wide side of the body having a width thatis wider than the narrower sides of the body;

a plurality of rotatable bases mounted between the narrower sides on thebody for rotation relative to the body about axes of rotation, therotatable bases each having an exposed surface facing generally awayfrom the body;

a plurality of hair styling elements mounted on the exposed surface ofeach of the rotatable bases for rotation relative to the body with therespective rotatable base, said plurality of hair styling elementsextending generally away from the body; and

a handle extending from the body in a direction that is substantiallyperpendicular to the axis of rotation of at least one of the rotatablebases.

A2. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A1 furthercomprising a selectively activatable drive system for driving rotationof the rotatable bases relative to the body.

A3. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in claim A2 wherein theselectively activatable drive system is configured to hold the rotatablebases in a fixed position relative to the body when the selectivelyactivatable drive system is not activated.

A4. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A2 wherein theselectively activatable drive system comprises a set of gears and amanual actuator connected to the gears so that a user may drive rotationof the rotatable bases by manually manipulating the manual actuator.

A5. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A2 wherein theselectively activatable drive system comprises an electric motorconnected to the rotatable bases so the motor can rotate the rotatablebases relative to the body and a switch configured to selectively turnthe electric motor on and off.

A6. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A1 furthercomprising a plurality of hair styling elements affixed to the widerside of the body.

A7. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A1 wherein at leastsome of the hair styling elements mounted on the rotatable bases have apaddle-shaped configuration.

A8. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A1 wherein each ofthe hair styling elements mounted on the rotatable bases is spaced fromeach of the other hair styling elements.

A9. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A1 wherein all ofthe hair styling elements are mounted on the rotatable bases.

A10. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A1 wherein the bodyhas a longitudinal axis and the rotatable bases are mounted on the bodyin a linear configuration extending generally along the longitudinalaxis of the body.

A11. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A1 wherein therotatable bases have rotational axes that are substantially parallel toone another.

A12. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A1 wherein the hairstyling elements are substantially parallel to one another.

A13. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A1 wherein thewider side of the body is substantially flat.

A14. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A1 wherein thewider side of the body has a width that is at least about 2 inches.

A15. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A1 wherein the bodyhas a length that is at least about 3 inches.

A16. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A1 wherein at leastone of the rotatable bases has a diameter that is at least about 2inches in length.

A17. A hand-held hair styling device, the hair styling devicecomprising:

a body having a wider side between a pair of narrower sides on oppositesides of the wider side, the wide side of the body having a width thatis wider than the narrower sides of the body;

a plurality of rotatable bases mounted between the narrower sides on thebody for rotation relative to the body about axes of rotation, therotatable bases each having an exposed surface facing generally awayfrom the body; and

a plurality of hair styling elements mounted on the exposed surface ofeach of the rotatable bases for rotation relative to the body with therespective rotatable base, said plurality of hair styling elementsextending generally away from body;

wherein each of the hair styling elements mounted on the rotatable basesis spaced from each of the other hair styling elements.

A18. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A17 wherein atleast some of the hair styling elements mounted on the rotatable baseshave a paddle-shaped configuration.

A19. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A17 wherein thebody has a longitudinal axis and the rotatable bases are mounted on thebody in a linear configuration extending generally along thelongitudinal axis of the body.

A20. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A17 wherein therotatable bases have rotational axes that are substantially parallel toone another.

A21. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A17 wherein thewider side of the body has a width that is at least about 2 inches.

A22. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A17 wherein thebody has a length that is at least about 3 inches.

A23. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A17 wherein atleast one of the rotatable bases has a diameter that is at least about 2inches in length.

A24. A method of styling hair, the method comprising:

holding a handle connected to a body having a plurality of rotatablebases thereon, wherein each of the rotatable bases is mounted on thebody for rotation relative to the body and has a plurality of hairstyling elements mounted thereon;

moving the handle to place the hair styling elements in a person's hair;and

selectively activating a drive system operably connected to therotatable bases to drive rotation of the rotatable bases relative to thebody and thereby rotating the rotatable bases and the hair stylingelements thereon while at least some of the hair styling elements are incontact with said person's hair.

A25. A method as set forth in A24 wherein rotating the rotatable basesand the hair styling elements thereon while at least some of the hairstyling elements are in contact with said person's hair comprisesforming a twisted strand of hair from a set of hairs on the person'shead.

A26. A method as set forth in A25 further comprising holding the hairsin said set in the twisted strand for a period of time selected toimpart a helical curvature to at least some of the hairs in said set.

A27. A method as set forth in A24 wherein rotating the rotatable basesand the hair styling elements thereon while at least some of the hairstyling elements are in contact with said person's hair comprisesimparting a helical curvature to at least some of the hair on theperson's head.

A28. A method as set forth in A27 wherein the helical curvature appliedto the hair has a central axis that is substantially parallel to an axisof rotation of at least one of the rotatable bases.

A29. A method as set forth in A24 wherein rotating the rotatable basesand the hair styling elements thereon while at least some of the hairstyling elements are in contact with said person's hair comprisesforming a first twisted strand of hair from a first set of hairs on theperson's head using a first of the rotatable bases while forming asecond twisted strand of hair from a second set of hairs on the person'shead using a second of the rotatable bases.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferredembodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” areintended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms“comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive andmean that there may be additional elements other than the listedelements.

As various changes could be made in the above apparatuses, systems, andmethods without departing from the scope of the invention, it isintended that all matter contained in the above description and shown inthe accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and notin a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hand-held hair styling device, the hair stylingdevice comprising: a body having a wider side between a pair of narrowersides on opposite sides of the wider side, the wider side of the bodyhaving a width that is wider than the narrower sides of the body; arotatable base mounted between the narrower sides on the body forrotation relative to the body about an axis of rotation, the rotatablebase having an exposed surface facing generally away from the body, theaxis of rotation of the rotatable base extending substantiallyperpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body; and a plurality ofhair styling elements mounted on the exposed surface of the rotatablebase for rotation relative to the body with the rotatable base, saidplurality of hair styling elements extending generally away from thebody.
 2. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in claim 1 furthercomprising a selectively activatable drive system for driving rotationof the rotatable base relative to the body.
 3. A hand-held hair stylingdevice as set forth in claim 2 wherein the selectively activatable drivesystem is configured to hold the rotatable base in a fixed positionrelative to the body when the selectively activatable drive system isnot activated.
 4. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in claim2 wherein the selectively activatable drive system comprises a set ofgears and a manual actuator connected to the gears so that a user maydrive rotation of the rotatable base by manually manipulating the manualactuator.
 5. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in claim 1wherein at least some of the hair styling elements mounted on therotatable base have a paddle-shaped configuration.
 6. A hand-held hairstyling device as set forth in claim 5 wherein said at least some of thehair styling elements having a paddle-shaped configuration have recessesformed in sides of the hair styling elements.
 7. A hand-held hairstyling device as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of the hair stylingelements mounted on the rotatable base is spaced from each of the otherhair styling elements.
 8. A hand-held hair styling device as set forthin claim 1 wherein all of the hair styling elements are mounted on therotatable base.
 9. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in claim1 wherein the hair styling elements are substantially parallel to oneanother.
 10. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in claim 1wherein the wider side of the body is substantially flat.
 11. Ahand-held hair styling device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the widerside of the body has a width that is at least about 2 inches.
 12. Ahand-held hair styling device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the bodyhas a length that is at least about 4 inches.
 13. A hand-held hairstyling device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the rotatable base has adiameter of at least about 0.75 inches.
 14. A method of styling aperson's hair comprising: holding a body having a rotatable basethereon, the rotatable base being mounted on the body for rotationrelative to the body and having a plurality of hair styling elementsmounted thereon, the body having a wider side between a pair of narrowersides on opposite sides of the wider side, the rotatable base beingmounted on the wider side; moving the body to place the hair stylingelements in the person's hair; activating a selectively activatabledrive system operably connected to the rotatable base to drive rotationof the rotatable base relative to the body about an axis of rotation andthereby rotate the rotatable base and the hair styling elements thereonwhile at least some of the hair styling elements are in contact with theperson's hair, the axis of rotation of the rotatable base extendingsubstantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body.
 15. Themethod of claim 14 wherein activating the selectively activatable drivesystem comprises moving an actuator of the drive system from a firstposition to a second position.
 16. The method of claim 15 furthercomprising removing the styling elements from contact with the person'shair while the actuator is in the second position.
 17. The method ofclaim 16 further comprising biasing the drive system to the firstposition such that once the actuator is released the actuatorautomatically moves from the second position back to the first position.18. A hand-held hair styling device, the hair styling device comprising:a body having a wider side between a pair of narrower sides on oppositesides of the wider side, the wider side of the body having a width thatis wider than the narrower sides of the body; a rotatable base mountedbetween the narrower sides on the body for rotation relative to the bodyabout an axis of rotation, the rotatable base having an exposed surfacefacing generally away from the body, the axis of rotation of therotatable base extending substantially perpendicular to a longitudinalaxis of the body; and at least one hair styling element mounted on theexposed surface of the rotatable base for rotation relative to the bodywith the rotatable base, said at least one hair styling elementextending generally away from the body and having recesses thereinopening radially outward from the axis of rotation of the rotatablebase.